St. Scholastica awarded $110,000 for Health Professions Scholarship Program

In a significant boost to its health professions education, The College of St. Scholastica has been awarded a $110,000 grant to support four scholarships for students pursuing careers in high-demand healthcare and mental health fields. This funding, a sub-award from the Minnesota Department of Health, will strengthen the rural healthcare workforce by aiding students financially and through professional development.

This grant will provide four $25,000 scholarships to a diverse group of graduate students — Sarah Scott ’24, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student; Heidi Favet ’24, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student; Jennifer Sword ’24, an MSW student; and Stephanie Hanowski ’24, a Master of Science in PA Medicine student. In addition to the scholarships, the grant includes $10,000 dedicated to professional development for the students. Scholarship recipients will benefit from targeted professional development counseling, including resiliency training and QPR (question, persuade, refer) suicide prevention training, which will further prepare them for the challenges of working in rural healthcare environments.

Collaborative efforts to secure the grant

Dr. Carolyn Jahr served as one of the project directors.

Dr. Carolyn Jahr of PA Medicine, Dr. Michele Sneed of Social Work and Dr. Sheryl Sandahl of Nursing, who serve as project directors, expressed their enthusiasm for the grant. “The purpose of this grant is not only to alleviate some of the financial burdens our students face but also to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities,” explained Dr. Jahr. “By supporting our students in this way, we are investing in the future of healthcare in Minnesota and beyond.”

The collaborative efforts of the three programs were crucial in applying for and securing the grant. These efforts underscore the College’s dedication to fostering interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare education and rural health improvement.

The scholarship recipients have committed to practicing in a rural area of Minnesota for at least two years post-graduation, contributing at least 30 hours per week. This service agreement is part of the grant’s objective to address healthcare professional shortages in underserved areas.

Stephanie Hanowski ’24, one of the scholarship recipients, reflected on the impact of the scholarship on her education and future career: “I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship and the support I have received. It has been a tremendous blessing and a driving force for me to excel on my journey to becoming a physician assistant. Being selected as the recipient of this scholarship is a true honor, and I am fully committed to making the most of this opportunity.”

This generous grant from the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Rural Health and Primary Care not only highlights the importance of supporting healthcare education but also emphasizes the critical need for skilled professionals in rural communities. Through this funding, St. Scholastica continues to advance its mission of preparing students for a life of purpose and meaningful work in the healthcare sector.

This funding is provided as a sub-award from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which received funds from the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Financial Resources Assistance Listing 93.391 “Addressing COVID-19 Health Disparities in Minnesota.” MDH does not endorse The College of St. Scholastica’s products, services or activities.